About this season
The food and science series that travels the world to explore the industry secrets behind our favourite produce, industry secrets, and how foods are really made.
Episodes (18)
1. MSG, Brazil Nuts, Elderflower
Aired 31 August 2015 • 25 min
Are alarming headlines about MSG justified? Jimmy visits a huge factory to find out. Kate investigates rumours that the Brazil nuts in UK supermarkets are all radioactive. Plus: elderflower cordial.
2. Vitamin D, Wagu Beef, Swiss Cheese
Aired 7 September 2015 • 25 min
Jimmy investigates the effects of vitamin D deficiency. Kate wants to know how supermarkets can sell wagyu beef, cheaply. And Matt heads to Switzerland to ask why there are holes in Swiss cheese.
3. Blue Fin Tuna, Ice Cream, Peas
Aired 14 September 2015 • 25 min
Jimmy heads to Spain to meet an entrepreneur farming blue fin tuna. Kate investigates why ice cream can go gritty, and Matt explores the difference between premium and budget peas.
4. Vodka, Instant Coffee, Wensleydale Cheese
Aired 21 September 2015 • 25 min
Jimmy investigates whether it's worth splashing out on expensive vodka, Kate finds out how coffee beans are turned into instant granules, and Matt checks out Wensleydale cheese.
5. Pistachios, Rolled Oats, Prosecco
Aired 28 September 2015 • 25 min
Why do we have to pay for pistachios that we can't crack open and eat? Are traditional rolled oats better for us than quick-cook porridge? Plus: the trouble with draught Prosecco.
6. Vegetables, Wine, Biscuits
Aired 5 October 2015 • 25 min
Jimmy examines how far farmers go to produce perfect veg for supermarkets. In America, Kate discovers that wine's getting stronger. Matt finds out which biscuit's best for dunking.
7. Pineapples, Chocolate, Mussels
Aired 12 October 2015 • 25 min
Kate discovers how scientists are using pineapple enzymes to help burns victims. How do the bubbles get into chocolate bars? And should we never eat mussels when there's an 'r' in the month?
8. Plums, Vegetables, Cherry Tomatoes
Aired 19 October 2015 • 25 min
Do prunes really keep us regular? How much sugar is in cherry tomatoes, and are supermarkets labelling them correctly? And can a Dutch pioneer grow veg using sea water?
9. Crabs, Greens, Gummy Sweets
Aired 26 October 2015 • 25 min
Jimmy explores new ways to get crabs to come out of their shell. Kate finds out how to get children to eat their greens. And how are gummy sweets made? Matt investigates.
10. Revisited: Mozzarella, Venison and Sprouts
Aired 2 November 2015 • 25 min
The team look back at some favourite investigations. Why is that liquid in packets of mozzarella? Why do we import venison when there are so many British deer? Why shouldn't we eat raw bean sprouts?
11. Episode 11
Aired 23 November 2015 • 25 min
12. Episode 12
Aired 19 February 2016 • 25 min
13. Episode 13
Aired 26 February 2016 • 25 min
14. Episode 14
Aired 4 March 2016 • 25 min
15. Episode 15
Aired 7 March 2016 • 25 min
16. Episode 16
Aired 14 March 2016 • 25 min
17. Episode 17
Aired 27 December 2015 • 60 min
18. Episode 18
Aired 4 January 2016 • 25 min